ROBBO'S EURO VISION

Paul Robinson turned his attention to getting straight back into Europe after what he described as a 'devastating' loss to Sevilla in the UEFA Cup.

Paul Robinson turned his attention to getting straight back into Europe after what he described as a 'devastating' loss to Sevilla in the UEFA Cup.

Trailing 2-1 from the first leg of the quarter-final, two goals in the opening eight minutes left us trailing 4-1 on aggregate and needing to score four goals.

The recovery started at the end of the first half when Dimitar Berbatov hit the post and there was hope when Jermain Defoe and Aaron Lennon scored after 65 and 66 minutes to level it on the night and make it 4-3 on aggregate.

But we still needed another two goals and despite creating chances, it wasn't to be and the European adventure was over, a run that started in September and included winning our first eight games.

"We were all devastated," said Paul afterwards. "We let in two sloppy goals in the first half and were our own worst enemies, we wanted to start well but did the opposite.

"Sevilla showed their quality in the first 20 minutes and we were shellshocked, both the lads and everyone in the stadium.

"We made up for it in the second half with an excellent performance but unfortunately, it was too late. It was always an uphill task but we got the first goal, then the second soon after and there was a chance, but it wasn't to be.

"The second half was one of the best performance we've put in against a very good team but we can't do anything about it now, all we can do is affect the future."

Robbo is determined that future will include European football again - we return to Premiership action at Wigan on Sunday sitting seventh in the table, hot on the heels of Everton.

"We have to make sure we get into Europe again," stressed England's number one. "We've had a great time, the fans have had a great time and I have to mention them again, they were unbelievable, especially in the second half. You'll do well to find anywhere in Europe with a better atmosphere than that."